StarHub hunts for one agency for $11m brief

SINGAPORE: Telecom company StarHub is preparing to consolidate its media account and Singapore Cable Vision's (SCV) with one agency six months after acquiring the cable operator.

The SCV and StarHub accounts are with Starcom and Maximize respectively.

"The SCV and StarHub media accounts are being consolidated because we recognise that a single agency will bring benefits such as economies of scale, better buying synergies as well as better control and co-ordination across all product lines,

said Patricia Sharma, StarHub assistant vice-president for marketing. Executives from the two companies will have some input in the decision, she added.

Among the criteria for selection are strategic thinking capabilities in media planning and buying; resourcefulness in sourcing for new and innovative media; in-depth understanding of media trends, media consumption habits and new media; knowledge of the telecommunications and media markets; as well as an ability to stretch advertising dollars.

Optimedia, Zenith, MindShare and one other undisclosed agency are pitching for the account worth about S$20 million (US$10.8m).

The winner, to be appointed in February, will receive a one-year contract.